Ch. 571..580

Chapter 571

"Why?" My throat tightened as I forced out the question.

"Hmm?" Hernan looked confused.

I stared into his unreadable eyes. "Why are you... so nice to me?"

I swallowed, pushing on. "We barely know each other, and honestly, I'm just... some pawn for you, right?"

He chuckled. "What, am I wrong to be nice?"

"Yeah. It makes me uneasy," I admitted. No one's just nice for no reason.

Hernan tilted his head. "Because you're useful to me."

"Useful? How?" My stomach twisted.

He just laughed. "You really don't let anything go, do you?"

The more casual he acted, the more nervous I got. "Stop messing with me."

smile faded as he reached out, brushing his fingers along my cheek. A shiver ran down my spine, like I'd just been touched by a snake.

I stepped back instinctively.

He dropped his hand, "You'll find out when the time's right."

Still no answers. I clenched my fists, frustrated..

"Come on," he said, motioning for me to follow.

I didn't budge. He smirked. "You really want to stay here, in the lion's den?"

I wasn't that dumb. If I stayed, Bruno would probably either kill me or leave me barely breathing.

But there was more going on. Hernan hadn't just brought me here to warn Bruno. I had this feeling he was stirring things up, making sure Bruno hated me even more. Thinking back on Hernan and Bruno's conversation, I hurried to catch up. "Then tell me something else- what did you mean when you said I'm being used by someone?" He glanced over. "Picked up on that, huh?"

That was as good as admitting it. A chill ran down my spine. "Who? Who's using me, and for what?"

"You'll find out soon enough," he replied, like this was all a game.

I grabbed his arm. "Can you just be straight with me? Who is it?"

He stopped, looking at me. "Who do you think?"

I was done. "Is this some kind of game to you? If you're gonna tell me, just say it! Quit messing with me, making me all anxious just to back off at the last second." Hernan studied me. "He's the mastermind here. Even if told you now, you wouldn't believe me."

"Who is he? I was practically shaking with the need to know, like I could rip it out of him if I had to. "Let's go watch the match first," Hernan said, brushing the off again. "I'll tell you after it's over."

I was furious, but I knew yelling wouldn't get me anywhere. He wasn't budging.

So, with my anger simmering under the surface, I followed him to the stadium. I didn't speak a word to him the entire way

My mind raced. Who could this mastermind be?

Jace?

It made the most sense. He's the one who told me about Steve, leading me into this mess in the first place.

Then when he got hurt, I ended up donating my blood to save him, and that's when Hayden freaked and dumped me

Bruno's appearance? Could that be part of Jace's plan too?

Maybe he wanted to push me to the edge, just so he could swoop in, play hero, and win me back.

The more I thought about it, the more it fit.

When the car finally stopped, I turned to Herman. "Is it Jace?"

Hernan didn't respond, just looked out the window. "Look how well Haddy and his fiancée suit each other.

Chapter 572

Of course, I couldn't help myself. I turned to look.

And just as I did, Hayden glanced up. Even through the car window, it felt like he was staring straight into

me

A sharp jolt hit my chest.

But the moment didn't last long. Yara cut in, her voice clear through the glass. "Hayden, let's go inside."

He turned, lifting his leg to walk beside her, and I could feel my defiance rising.

Before I even thought, I yanked the car door open.

As soon as my feet hit the ground, Hernan followed, stepping out beside me. He watched me closely." Wanna go say hi?"

I didn't even need to think about it. I did want to see if he felt any of the guilt I was expecting. If he'd Fremember anything he'd ever said to me. dany regrets.

It wasn't that I couldn't move on. I just wanted to know if he had any

"Haddy," Hernan called out, like he could read my mind. Without me saying a word, he took my hand and led me toward Hayden and Yara. Hayden stopped, turning with Yara to face us.

My breath caught, heart racing like crazy-mix of anger, satisfaction, and maybe a little something else I couldn't put a name to.

Didn't Hayden say he didn't care about me anymore?

Well, here I was. Totally fine. Standing in front of him, with Herman-everyone's nightmare-by my side.

Hernan walked right up to them and greeted Hayden first. "Haddy, we meet again."

Hayden had humiliated him before, but Herman's tone was smooth, no sign of any old wounds.

He was good at keeping his cool. Or maybe this was all just an act.

Hayden gave nothing away. "I doubt you're happy to see me."

Hernan just gave a little smile, shaking his head. "Not at all. I was actually looking forward to it."

Then he glanced at me, a question in his eyes. "Right, Keira?"

Standing there, staring at Hayden, I'd hoped for some flicker of guilt or remorse. But now, up close, I realized it was pointless. He'd broken up with me. I'd made it clear I was done. So why did I care?

Focusing on any pain over him was just torturing myself.

In that moment, something clicked, like a weight lifted, I didn't need to waste any more energy on him.

He didn't care about me, so why should I treat him any differently than a stranger?

Chapter 577

I refused to look at him. Instead, I turned to Hernan "Let's go inside."

Hernan nodded, pulling me away, past Hayden without a glance. Still, his scent lingered in the air, and felt it all over again.

"Nice job," Hernan murmured with a smirk once we were out of Hayder's sign

I didn't answer. We walked into the stadium, and as we entered, I spotted Jace. He was staring start at the door, like he was waiting for me to walk in.

Before we'd left the car, I'd asked Hernan something he'd avoided. Now, seeing Jace approach, laske again. "Hernan, is it him?"

This time, Hernan didn't dodge the question. He just looked at me, his face serious. "If he knew you were thinking that, he'd be heartbroken." That told me everything. I'd guessed wrong.

Jace had seemed like the most obvious answer, but it wasn't him. So who else was behind this mess? And why?

AW

wave of confusion hit me as Jace walked up to us. His face was tight, scanning me quickly, relaxing only when he saw I was fine.

But then, when he noticed my arm linked with Herman's, his eyes went dark

"Herman, the match is over. I'm taking Keira with me," Jace said, his voice firm.

Chapter 572

Of course, I couldn't help myself. I turned to look.

And just as I did, Hayden glanced up. Even through the car window, it felt like he was staring straight into

me

A sharp jolt hit my chest.

But the moment didn't last long. Yara cut in, her voice clear through the glass. "Hayden, let's go inside."

He turned, lifting his leg to walk beside her, and I could feel my defiance rising.

Before I even thought, I yanked the car door open.

As soon as my feet hit the ground, Hernan followed, stepping out beside me. He watched me closely." Wanna go say hi?"

I didn't even need to think about it. I did want to see if he felt any of the guilt I was expecting. If he'd Fremember anything he'd ever said to me. dany regrets.

It wasn't that I couldn't move on. I just wanted to know if he had any

"Haddy," Hernan called out, like he could read my mind. Without me saying a word, he took my hand and led me toward Hayden and Yara. Hayden stopped, turning with Yara to face us.

My breath caught, heart racing like crazy-mix of anger, satisfaction, and maybe a little something else I couldn't put a name to.

Didn't Hayden say he didn't care about me anymore?

Well, here I was. Totally fine. Standing in front of him, with Herman-everyone's nightmare-by my side.

Hernan walked right up to them and greeted Hayden first. "Haddy, we meet again."

Hayden had humiliated him before, but Herman's tone was smooth, no sign of any old wounds.

He was good at keeping his cool. Or maybe this was all just an act.

Hayden gave nothing away. "I doubt you're happy to see me."

Hernan just gave a little smile, shaking his head. "Not at all. I was actually looking forward to it."

Then he glanced at me, a question in his eyes. "Right, Keira?"

Standing there, staring at Hayden, I'd hoped for some flicker of guilt or remorse. But now, up close, I realized it was pointless. He'd broken up with me. I'd made it clear I was done. So why did I care?

Focusing on any pain over him was just torturing myself.

In that moment, something clicked, like a weight lifted, I didn't need to waste any more energy on him.

He didn't care about me, so why should I treat him any differently than a stranger?

Chapter 577

I refused to look at him. Instead, I turned to Hernan "Let's go inside."

Hernan nodded, pulling me away, past Hayden without a glance. Still, his scent lingered in the air, and felt it all over again.

"Nice job," Hernan murmured with a smirk once we were out of Hayder's sign

I didn't answer. We walked into the stadium, and as we entered, I spotted Jace. He was staring start at the door, like he was waiting for me to walk in.

Before we'd left the car, I'd asked Hernan something he'd avoided. Now, seeing Jace approach, laske again. "Hernan, is it him?"

This time, Hernan didn't dodge the question. He just looked at me, his face serious. "If he knew you were thinking that, he'd be heartbroken." That told me everything. I'd guessed wrong.

Jace had seemed like the most obvious answer, but it wasn't him. So who else was behind this mess? And why?

AW

wave of confusion hit me as Jace walked up to us. His face was tight, scanning me quickly, relaxing only when he saw I was fine.

But then, when he noticed my arm linked with Herman's, his eyes went dark

"Herman, the match is over. I'm taking Keira with me," Jace said, his voice firm.

Chapter 573

Let's talk after the match," Hernan said, the master of keeping everyone on edge.

I was pretty sure he just loved playing games, no matter who he was dealing with.

"Come on, let's find a seat," he added, guiding me away.

We barely settled into our seats when Hayden and Yara walked in. They didn't sit next to us, though- nope, they were in the row in front of us, with Jace joining them. Clearly, Jace had arranged the seating.

I couldn't help but think about the tickets I'd given Yuna and Wade. The event was starting, but they still hadn't shown up.

My stomach did this weird little flip. I was starting to get worried. And, of course, my phone was completely broken. No way to reach them.

I would've asked Hayden to call her, but... yeah, not exactly in the mood for that.

Then it hit me I actually remembered Yuna's number. I'd just go outside and borrow someone's phone.

But just as I turned to leave, someone called my name

I spun around to see Yara.

We hadn't exactly shared a ton of bonding time, so her knowing my name like that felt... off. Like she'd been briefed on me-probably the whole drama with Hayden too.

"Miss Drago, is something wrong?" I tried to keep my tone cool.

"Hayden wanted me to ask-why haven't we seen his sister?"

Boom. That question hit me straight in the chest.

"He can't look for his own sister?" I snapped.

Yara just stayed calm, with a slight smile like she wasn't bothered by me at all. "He said she's been in your care, so naturally he came to you."

I was so close to losing it, but I knew better than to let her see me rattled.

"I don't know where she is," I said, trying to sound calm. "I was about to borrow a phone to check in."

Yara raised an eyebrow, the tiniest bit surprised. "You don't have a phone?"

Ouch.

I mean, if Yara didn't know I was without a phone, then Hayden probably didn't either. He hadn't bothered to check in. And he knew I was with Herman-he knew how dangerous Hernan could be-yet he'd left me here without a second thought. Perfect. One more reason to make sure I cut him out completely.

"Here, you can use mine," Yara said, holding out her phone.

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Chapter 573

 

I was about to turn her down when I heard a voice call out, "Keira."

I turned around and there was Yuna, rushing toward me, out of breath. "Keira, we're late. We had to help an elderly man who'd fallen." Wade was trailing behind her, giving me a nod.

But Yuna's way too friendly with me-and completely pretending Yara didn't exist-made the whole situation super awkward.

But, like, now was definitely not the time to call her out on it. So, I just looked at Wade and said, "Glad you guys made it. Let's head in."

"We'll go in together, my dear sis-in-law," Yuna added, stressing the last part a little too much while totally ignoring Yara.

My throat tightened. The word "sis-in-law" hung in the air like it was a bomb. But I just swallowed it down and corrected her quietly. "Yuna, I'm not Hayden's girlfriend or fiancée anymore. Please don't call me that. Yuna just gave me this stubborn look. "You're the only sis-in-law I'll accept. No one else can take that place."

That definitely made things uncomfortable for Yara, but Yara didn't even flinch. She just gave Yuna a tiny smile and said, "Yuna, Hayden's waiting for you inside.

Wade, picking up on the tension, leaned in and whispered to Yuna, "Let's go in."

"Keira, make sure you come in soon," Yuna called over her shoulder before disappearing inside with Wade.

likes you, doesn't she?" Once they were gone, Yara turned to me, still smiling faintly. "Yuna really

I didn't answer. I wasn't about to get into a heart-to-heart with Yara. I was about to walk away when she stopped me with another question.

"Keira... you hate Hayden, don't you?"

 

Chapter 574

Hate? Yeah, but honestly, it was deeper than that.

Not that it was any of her business.

Still, the way she asked-so direct-told me she was a little insecure, like she was wondering if I still had some hidden thing for Hayden.

I gave her a smile, but it wasn't exactly friendly. "Miss Drago, we barely know each other. Who I love or hate is definitely not your problem. As for Hayden? He knows exactly how I feel."

She wasn't letting up. "He might know, but I don't."

gave this bold, confident woman a once-over and said, "Afraid I've got some leftover feelings for him? You can relax. Even if Hayden came crawling back to me, begging on his knees, I wouldn't give him a second glance." "You're cold," she said with a teasing smile.

I shot her a sarcastic smile. "What did you expect? Were you hoping for a love triangle or something?"

Before she could answer, I added, "Trust me-you'll never have to worry about that. Not in this lifetime."

I spun around to leave, but there he was.

Hayden. Right in front of me. His eyes locked onto mine like lasers, and I could tell from his face he'd overheard every word.

Fine by me. He needed to know-when I loved him, he was everything. Now? He didn't even make the cut.

We just stared at each other for a second, but I didn't say anything. I just turned on my heel and walked

away.

But then, just around the corner, I stopped cold. My chest was tight-like someone had squeezed the air out of me.

Turns out, hurting him hurt me too.

"Feeling a little unsettled?" Yara's voice floated over.

I glanced up to see her and Hayden walking my way, and I wasn't about to face them again. I ducked back into the shadows.

I couldn't catch Hayden's response, but then I heard Yara, still talking. "You should tell her. That way she

wouldn't-"

Hayden cut her off, his voice ice-cold. "Focus on what you need to do. The rest is none of your business."

Yara huffed, "You're so... I'm just trying to-" But then their voices faded as they walked off, and I couldn't hear the rest.

I stayed hidden, her words still echoing in my head. They'd been talking about me. Yara said Hayden should tell me something... but what?

The accidental eavesdropping got my mind racing. With a mix of confusion and curiosity, I went back to

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Chapter 574

my seat.

Hernan was still there, glued to his phone.

As soon as I sat down, he looked up. "What took you so long? Thought you might bail on us."

"Could I even get away?" I shot back.

Hernan knew I was trapped. He let me roam, but only because he knew I couldn't escape his grip. And with Steve as his ace in the hole, any attempt to leave would only put him in danger. "Why don't you try and see?" he teased.

I ignored him, my eyes shifting over to Hayden. My brain was still stuck on what I overheard.

Was he hiding something from me?

Also, Yara didn't sound jealous when she talked to him. She was just... cool. Too cool.

I glanced back at them. And right then, I saw her lean in close to him, whispering something in his ear.

I knew Hayden. He always kept his distance from other women-I'd seen it when Demi was around.

But with Yara? No signs of discomfort. So what the hell was going on?

"Still not over him, huh?" Hernan's voice broke through my thoughts, like he was reading my mind. "But he seems pretty... indifferent to you."

I shot back, "You're the one he cares about. Happy now?"

Hernan threw his head back and laughed. Loud. Like he didn't care who heard.

Chapter 575

Hernan's laugh boomed, and heads turned-not the good kind. Even Yara glanced over, making my

cheeks burn. Annoyed, I swatted his arm. "Dude, cut it out."

He winced, pulling back. Right, his arm was still healing-thanks to Hayden.

I couldn't help but think-"eye for an eye" was classic guy move, especially with someone like Hernan. So 1 asked, "Hayden's here today. You gonna go after him?"

Hernan glanced Hayden's way, sizing him up. "If he stays in his lane, I'll let it slide... for now."

My heart skipped. "What's that mean?"

Herman turned back to me, a smug glint in his eyes. "If he doesn't try to steal you, we're good."

Steal me? Could that be what Yara hinted at earlier? Was Hayden planning something?

If he was, he sure hadn't told me. But clearly, Herman had sensed it and was on alert.

I stared at the back of Hayden's head, feeling a knot form in my stomach.

"If he would you go?" Herman's voice cut through my thoughts.

rise to rescUE VOUL

If I went with Hayden, Hernan would definitely go after Steve.

Thinking about Hernan's evasive responses earlier, I threw his words back at him. "If he does, you'll find out, won't you?"

He chuckled like it was all a game.

My mind was a total mess after everything Yara and Hernan had said. I had no energy left to play games, so I just sat there, zoning out, staring blankly ahead, trying to piece things together. Suddenly, an ice cream cone appeared in front of me. Hernan held it out, his own already in hand.

"By the time you finish this, the match should be starting," he said, handing it over.

I wasn't even hungry, but since he was already digging into his, it felt wrong to let it melt. So, I took a bite.

It was kinda funny-Hernan, this tough, notorious guy, sitting there all casual with an ice cream cone. But for some weird reason, it suited him.

A kid nearby whined, "Mommy, I want ice cream like hers!" and pointed right at me.

Perfect. More eyes on us-including Hayden's, who turned around.

Our gazes met, and he frowned just slightly.

For a second, I felt like a kid caught sneaking sweets, frozen with the ice cream halfway to my lips, unsure if I should keep eating.

"Smile for the camera," Hernan said, sliding his arm around me and snapping a pic on his phone.

As he clicked the photo, I caught him throwing a look at Hayden, like it was some kind of challenge.

Hayden turned away, and Hernan leaned in, whispering "Haddy's jealous."

 

Chapter 575

Is he? I wasn't sure. But Hernan was definitely enjoying pushing his buttons.

I elbowed him. "You know you're acting like a kid, right?"

He just chuckled, unfazed, and kept eating his ice cream, still eyeing Hayden like he was next on the list.

Honestly, my head was spinning. Hayden, Jace, Steve-they were all here. Every guy who'd shaped my life, in one place.

It felt like a bad sign, like something big was coming.

Remembering my deal with Herman, I shot him a look. "When it's over, remember-let Steve go."

"Depends on his behavior," he replied, with that smug look that made me want to shove my ice cream right in his face.

Chapter 576

Guess you can't expect a wolf to go vegan.

Jace had told me Hernan wanted Steve to win, so all I could do was hope Steve would make it through okay.

The match started, and Steve stepped onto the court, eyes darting around.

He scanned the front row, exchanged glances with Hayden and Jace, then kept searching the seats, looking for... someone.

When his gaze finally landed on me, his face tensed up.

Then Hernan raised his hand in a quick wave-a reminder, or maybe a threat.

"See that?" Hernan murmured in my ear. "He's nervous,

"If he's nervous, he'll lose," I shot back.

"Wrong. You don't get human nature. A wolf's most excited when it smells blood. People aren't much

different."

I glared, but Hernan barely noticed, already absorbed in the match. "Why do you think Steve cares about you?"

I wanted to say it was loyalty-that's just who Steve was. But I kept my mouth shut. I wasn't feeding. Hernan's twisted games.

Hernan turned and tilted his head. "Think he has feelings for you, too?"

I couldn't resist scoffing at him. "Do you ever think seriously about anything?"

But Hernan just grinned. He thrived on mockery, never letting anything bother him.

"You don't understand men," he went on, flicking a look toward Hayden. "You know how you can tell if a man really loves you? He'll risk his life for you."

Now he sounded like some self-proclaimed love guru, lecturing me like he had it all figured out.

"You girls go for smooth talkers, the ones who seem caring and sweet. But that's fake. Real love is when a guy's willing to put everything on the line for you."

He nodded at the two guys in the front row. "One's your ex, and the other. He smirked. "Well, they're both your exes, aren't they? Do you even know which one loved you more?" A chill went down my spine. "What are you planning?"

He just chuckled, tilting his chin toward Steve on the stage. "And let's not forget this one-the one with the unspoken crush."

"Steve and I are just friends."

"Is that so? Guess we'll see if he feels the same."

I closed my eyes, feeling frustrated.

 

Now I got why Hernan had kept me close, even fed me the past few days. It was all just a setup.

But it was too late now. We were already here.

I couldn't help but snap back. "Don't think you're some god who controls everyone. Even a bunny bites when it's comered." "Oh, I look forward to it," Herman said with a smirk, just as the announcer's voice boomed, signaling the start of the match. Steve was fast, precise. He took control early, inching closer to a win. Hernan clapped, thrilled. "As I thought, he won't disappoint." But the closer Steve got to victory, the more my anxiety spiked. My palms were sweating, and I felt an urge to run to the bathroom.

I shifted, but Herman's hand clamped down on my shoulder. "Stay put. You're about to see something incredible."

"I need to go to the restroom."

"Wait. I'll take you after."

I glared at him, frustrated.

Bang!

The sharp crack of the ball hitting echoed through the arena, louder than normal. Gasps rippled through the crowd.

I whipped my head back to the stage just in time to see a red ball launch off the table, rocketing toward the audience. Ahhh!

Chapter 577 Chapter

577

The crowd went nuts, but honestly, I couldn't tell if they were hyped or just losing it. Definitely wasn't what I expected.

I just stood there as some random quy snagged the ball mid-air. He started yelling like he'd won the lottery. "Number fivel Number five is mine!" He even kissed the ball and climbed onto his seat, celebrating like a maniac,

The rest of the crowd? Not so thrilled.

""Refund!"

"Refund

You could practically see their wallets crying. Most of them were there for one thing-watching Steve

crush it.

When he missed that shot? Oh, they weren't just disappointed; they were pissed. And it wasn't just because of the botched play; a ton of them had money riding on him. Like, big money. Probably two-thirds of the room was convinced Steve was a sure thing. But now? With that ball sailing off the table, their cash was pretty much gone with it.

I snapped out of my daze. Steve wasn't the type to mess up like that unless... unless he meant to.

1

It hit me he'd figured it out. He knew he was a pawn in someone else's game, and this was his way of flipping the board, even with Herman holding me hostage.

This was the real Steve-smart, strong, not the kind to just throw in the towel.

Hernan? Not impressed. "How am I supposed to let him go after that stunt?" His voice was calm, but his words had an edge.

I knew Steve had angered Hernan, but I tried to push back. "You promised me. You can't just go back on

that."

"Fine. New deal," Hernan said. "You can play in Steve's place. Win, and I'll let both of you go."

Wait. What?

This wasn't just a casual game. The place was packed with pros-like, trophy-winning, career-level pros. And me? I barely even picked up a cue stick in the last couple of years. Yeah, thad some talent, but beating these guys? No chance. Hernan was setting me up to crash and burn.

Plus, I hadn't really practiced in ages. Sure, I played Hernan once recently, but that was a joke. Even pros lose their edge without practice, and I was way out of mine.

Hernan knew that. He was banking on it. I was just another piece in his game.

But I didn't have the luxury to overthink. This was my shot-a long one, but still. No time for second-guessing.

"What's stopping you from backing out again?" I asked frustration bubbling up.

Hernan's smirk was ice. "If you don't trust me, walk away now. I'll end the match and drag Steve out."

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Chapter 577

Great. So I was stuck. Again.

"Fine. But if you break your word, I swear-"

I had no clue what I'd do, but I wasn't letting him play me like some clueless pawn.

"If you win, I keep my promise," he said, tossing me that same "trust me" look.

For Steve, I didn't have a choice. Time to step up.

THE

As I headed to the stage, Herman was already in full showman mode, the announcer hyping me up with way too much drama. Made it sound like a win for me would somehow be a win for Steve too since he was my "mentor." And of course, as soon as the announcer finished, the crowd exploded-jeering and booing, the whole nine yards.

"No way, someone shouted. "This is so rigged!"

"She's just some scrawny girl!" another person yelled. 'No chance she can win!"

I ignored them, smiling as I strutted onto the playing area.

Steve was waiting by the table. "You shouldn't have gotten yourself mixed up in this," he muttered, sounding worried.

"I got sucked into this mess the last time I visited you. Guess I didn't really have a choice now, huh?" Then I couldn't resist. "But seriously, what was with that ball flying off the table?"

Steve's eyes darkened. "I did it on purpose."

Then, out of nowhere, he grabbed my hand. "I wanted to make a distraction. Get you out of here."

Chapter 578

1 froze, not knowing what to say.

Before I could react, someone in the crowd shouted, "The organizers keep letting their own people play. This is rigged! How about I go up instead? If she beats me, we'll forget that last mistake." I turned toward the voice.

It was Yara, standing with Hayden next to her, looking as calm as ever, his eyes locked on me with that same steady stare.

This woman wasn't just bold, she was good. She had the guts to challenge me in front of everyone, which meant she had to be at least as skilled as she was confident.

The crowd immediately started chanting. "Let her play! Let her play!"

The announcer glanced over at Hernan, who gave a small nod.

He then announced that Yara would be joining me.

"Ms. Kay, I look forward to learning from you," Yara said, stepping forward and offering her hand.

I didn't know her real intentions, but I couldn't back down now. I was already on stage, practically shoved into the spotlight.

For Steve, for my own pride-I couldn't back down.

I reached out, our fingers barely brushing as we shook hands. "Let's both do our best."

My unexpected entry had already set the crowd off, but with Yara stepping up too-and both of us being women-the energy was next level.

This was supposed to be a legit match, but the rules were bending every second, players swapped in and out like it was no big deal. It screamed money, power, and all the shady stuff behind the scenes.

But now wasn't the time to think about any of that. I was here, and I was going to give it everything I had.

"Just play like you always do-keep the energy up, get the crowd on their feet. That'll help," Steve murmured as I stepped toward the table.

His earlier distraction plan clicked in my head. I started to see where this was going.

I gave him a quick glance before taking my position. Yara stood on the other side of the table.

Just as I thought the match was about to start, Yara spoke up. "She's got her guy here cheering her on, and I'm here alone. Doesn't seem fair, does it?"

Oh, I knew exactly what she was trying to do-bring Hayden into this. I flashed her a smile. "You're welcome to bring yours up too."

"Bring him up! Bring him up!" The crowd caught on, chanting for Hayden.

The announcer looked over at Hernan, who gave a subtle nod, still lounging like he had zero care in the

world.

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Chapter 57%

With his status and sharp mind, Heman knew exactly what was at stake. But he wasn't stopping the-te was letting it unfold. Which meant he had his own plans cooking.

If he was playing some bigger game, then Steve and I weren't going to have an easy ext. Heman had everyone here like pawns on a chessboard, waiting for the right moment

As I was caught in that thought, Yara waved Hayden up to the stage. Under her gaze, he stood and walked over to her side.

Seeing them together-so perfectly in sync-was like a punch to the gut.

I forced myself to look away and walked over to the referee. Yara joined me, and he held up a coin, explaining that heads would be mine, tails hers

We both nodded, and he flicked it into the air. The coin spun, landed heads-up

First shot was mine.

Yara gestured for me to go ahead. I stepped up to the table, while she and Hayden stood together on the opposite side, watching.

Yara gave a little nod, motioning for me to go ahead. I stepped up to the table, while she and Hayden stood together on the opposite side, watching.

I picked up my cue, took a steadying breath, and lined up my shot. With a sharp strike, I sent the cue ball crashing into the cluster, scattering balls across the table. Two dropped into pockets, and I was ready for my next shot. Thud!

Chapter 579

Thud!

Thud!

One ball after another sank perfectly into the pockets, each shot met with louder cheers. My aim was on fire, and the crowd was actually starting to root for me.

With Hayden watching nearby, a thought popped into my head: "Keira, show him a side of you he's never

seen.

We'd been together a while, but he'd never watched me play snooker. My skills were tied to memories with Jace, and I'd always worried it might stir something up if Hayden found out. But here I was, putting it all on display for him.

Thud!

I lined up my next shot, sent the cue ball spinning toward the pocket... but it stopped just short. Ugh. Close, but not quite. Now it was Yara's turn.

The crowd went wild, switching sides to cheer her on as she took her place at the table.

It was funny-neither Yara nor I were professionals, yet somehow, the crowd had split into full-on fan sections for us, like we were fierce rivals.

Yara picked up her cue, leaning over the table with that practiced, graceful stance. Every move she made was smooth and elegant, almost like she was putting on a show, and the crowd loved it. "Go, beautiful!" someone shouted as she sank ball after ball.

When only one ball was left on the table, we were tied. If she made this last shot, I'd lose.

The crowd fell silent, tension thick in the air. If I lost, it'd mean the same result as Steve's earlier slip-up- and cost them their bets, just as they'd all started banking on me to win.

The cheers faded as the crowd seemed to realize they might've backed the wrong player.

"Sorry, but this is the end," Yara said, smirking.

Win or lose, I wasn't about to beg. Losing would mean losing any leverage I had with Heman, but there was no way I'd back down-especially not in front of Hayden.

I just smiled calmly and gestured for her to take the shot.

Yara didn't hesitate, lining up with perfect form as everyone held their breath. The cue ball struck the black ball, sending it rolling toward the pocket.

Then, right before it sank, the lights went out. The arena plunged into darkness, startled screams echoing around us. Suddenly, someone grabbed my wrist, yanking me forward. Disoriented, I stumbled through the pitch-black chaos, but the hand holding mine kept pulling me along. steady and firm.

I didn't know where we were headed, but I pushed aside my doubts and focused on the grip guiding me

Chapter 574

forward.

"Steve, I... I can't keep running." I gasped, my side achi

We'd broken away from the crowd. It felt like it was just the two of us now, and the noise had faded mo the distance.

But Steve didn't answer, only slowed his pace

Finally catching my breath, I asked, "Who planned this? Was it Jace? Hemen had to have seen the coming. No way he'd let us go that easy.

Still, no response. A weird feeling crept over me. I raised my free hand and tagged on his arm

"Steve... why aren't you saying anything?"

Chapter 580

 

"He doesn't dare to speak!" Herman's voice cut through the darkness just as the lights came back on.

He stood not far away, a cold, twisted smile at the corners of his mouth.

So, I'd been right-this was his plan all along. There was never any real chance of escape, and now we'd only managed to provoke him.

Without thinking, I yanked the person holding my hand behind me, stepping forward protectively.

Herman sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "Haddy, are you really so pathetic now? Hiding behind a woman?"

Haddy?

Was he talking about... Hayden? But where was Hayden?

Then, the person I'd pulled behind me stepped forward, and I heard a voice I knew way too well. I turned, stunned. Standing beside me, hand still in mine, was Hayden. Wait... Hayden? I could've sworn it was Steve leading me.

I stared at him, completely thrown. Hayden's intense gaze was fixed on Hernan. "If you don't want to lose face, then step aside."

The confidence in his voice was unmistakable, and I couldn't help but wonder where he found this kind of

nerve.

Hernan laughed, low and mocking. "Don't tell me you're actually foolish enough to walk right into my trap without realizing it."

Hayden's jaw tightened, but he didn't flinch. "Then you should know that if I came here, it's because I plan to leave-whether you like it or not."

Hemman raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Then let's see it. I'd love to watch you try to walk out of here... especially with this girl tagging along."

"If you weren't standing in his way, maybe he wouldn't have to," came Jace's voice from behind Hernan. Clearly, Hernan was surrounded.

No wonder Steve had been so confident about getting me out. They'd planned this all along.

But Hernan didn't look the least bit surprised. He just smiled, casting a quick glance to someone nearby before speaking. "Haddy, you might want to look up before you start making threats."

Hayden and I both looked up. A screen on the ceiling flickered on, showing Yuna and Wade locked in a room, their faces-pale and anxious.

My heart clenched, and I whipped around to face Heman, fury blazing in my eyes. "Kidnapping girls-is that all you've got?"

Hernan ignored me, his gaze locked on Hayden. I glanced at Hayden, trying to read him, but his expression was stone-cold. Then Yara's voice came through the speakers. "Yuna, Wade, come with me."

1/2

Chapter 580

 

I looked back up. Now the video showed Yara in the room with Yuna and Wade, two of Herman's guards unconscious at her feet.

This woman never ceased to amaze me

Clap Clap.

Heman's slow applause filled the room. "Haddy, I have to hand it to you. Just as clever as ever. Not only are your tactics impressive, but you're bold enough to pull off this little-switcheroo right under my nose." Hayden's gaze hardened, a rare spark of defiance in his eyes. "If you know that, then get lost."

Heman shook his head, smirking. Tve waited four years for this showdown. If I let you beat me that easily, how would I ever hold my head up again?"

Heman's words confirmed it-they had history. Some old grudge that went way back. And somehow, I'd been dragged right into the middle of it.

It was obvious Hayden's side had the upper hand, but the way Herman was talking? He definitely had more tricks up his sleeve

I forced myself to stay calm. "Herman, whatever beef you have with Hayden, take it up with him. I've got nothing to do with it."

Honestly, I was just hoping that distancing myself would keep Hayden from splitting his focus to protect me. He'd clearly come here to get me out, that much was obvious.